Falcons running back Steven Jackson knows a lot about rushing, but one thing he won't do is rush his recovery from a hamstring injury. He wrote on his personal blog Friday that he is still preparing as if he is the starter, but he knows he won't be starting for some time. And really, that's OK, because he just wants to allow his body the time needed to get ready for the season's second half.
"I want to come in and make a huge impression on this team and on this city," Jackson wrote. "So I've just been really focused on getting back healthy, and once I'm back on the field, being an impact player.
"But I have to be patient. That's just part of being mature as a player. I know my body, and I have to make sure that I'm right. I don't want to come back too soon, and just be an average guy on the football field. When I come back, I want to be 100 percent healthy and be the dynamic running back who can catch the ball, run between the tackles and do all the things that I've done.
"I have to make sure that I'm ready for the latter part of the season more than anything. That's what I'm focused on, and that's what I remind myself as I'm rehabbing daily."

Fantasy Analysis:

Jackson isn't expected to return until after Atlanta's Week 6 bye. Until then, Jason Snelling and Jacquizz Rodgers will continue to split the work in the backfield. Last week against Miami, Rodgers got more touches than Snelling, 20-16. Rodgers gained 93 yards, and Snelling racked up more than 100 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown. You should expect a similar workload this week against the Patriots. That defense has been decent against the run this year, but both Snelling and Rodgers can certainly be used as flex plays in 12-team leagues this week.